Senior Bowl News and Notes: Wednesday

A look at the notes and rumors swirling around the Riverview Hotel in Mobile, Alabama as the third day of the Senior Bowl comes to a close.

As we reported then updated earlier, Wesley Britt has a minor hairline fracture in his lower fibula. The big Alabama offensive tackle was in the hotel this evening hobbling around on crutches.

"It is not a serious injury," head coach Jon Gruden said of Britt's injury. "He assured me that if he was playing in the Super Bowl he would be ready to go. I said, ‘it is the Senior Bowl, we could use you.' We are going to hold him out. It was more precautionary than anything.

"It was the first play of an inside running period and matter a fact a play he has run repeatedly at Alabama. He just got caught in a straight-legged position and was run up from behind. We will miss him. We were looking forward to working with him. He is a great kid and is a big guy."

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice will be interviewing for the team's opening at quarterback coach late next week. One of the first people he will speak with is Detroit Lions receivers coach Kenny Higgins. Tice quizzed Higgins today, questioning his background to see if it was just in the west coast offense.

Tice also shared his thoughts on first year linebacker Dontarrius Thomas; "I really like the kid. He was forced to play with injuries to Henderson and Claiborne, but really got comfortable once he was put at nickel middle linebacker. He always has a smile on his face, but he's really hard on himself. That's a good thing."

Also, on the Vikings, reserve safety Willie Offord's agent David Cantor told us that he has not gotten an indication from the team on their interest in re-signing his client. Offord is set to become a restricted free agent.

At this afternoons practice Miami Dolphins new head coach Nick Saban sat in the stands with Rick Speilman scouting the linebackers and running backs.

According to a league source, the Cardinals are likely to tag restricted free agent quarterback Josh McCown with the middle tender (about $1.4 million).

Word on the sidelines described cornerback Bryant McFadden as a talented but erratic player. The problem according to a scout is "his work ethic. The guy doesn't have the work ethic."

Perkins has not played in any of the postseason all-star games, meaning the credit to his cover skills came from his work in-season. Perkins is also a dynamic return specialist and is getting attention as a dual-threat.